Arkansas Lawmakers To Discuss 20-week Abortion Ban

Arkansas lawmakers are reviewing the rules for enforcing a law approved last year banning most abortions at 20 weeks into a woman's pregnancy.

Members of the House and Senate Public Health, Welfare and Labor Committee on Friday are scheduled to discuss changes in the rules for abortion facilities that will incorporate language from the 20-week ban. The Republican-led Legislature enacted the restriction last year, overriding a veto by Democratic Gov. Mike Beebe.

The bill was one of two abortion restrictions that lawmakers approved by overriding Beebe's veto. A federal judge in May blocked enforcement of a law banning most abortions at 12 weeks while she considers a lawsuit challenging its constitutionality.